Dutch Caribbean · Aruba
- Position
- 12.5°N · 70.0°W
- Region
- Aruba, Dutch Caribbean
Overview
One island, two very different coasts
Aruba lies in the southern Caribbean, about 29 km north of Venezuela's Paraguaná Peninsula. It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with its capital at Oranjestad on the southwest coast.
The island is roughly 32 km long, and its two sides could hardly be more different. The windward north and east coast, much of it inside Arikok National Park, faces the trade winds with big waves and strong currents. The leeward west and southwest coast is where the calm water is: Palm Beach and its hotels, the wide sands of Eagle Beach, the limestone terraces of Malmok and the shallow bays toward the California Lighthouse. Practically every charter cruises this sheltered side.
A typical Aruba charter is a relaxed snorkel sail or a sunset cruise, and catamarans are especially popular for both. We check the private vessels available on your date and confirm the boarding point, capacity and inclusions for the boat you choose.
Palm Beach piers
Most sail and snorkel trips start from the piers along Palm Beach, close to the high-rise hotels. Whether a particular private vessel uses a given pier depends on the operator, so we confirm the meeting point.
Wind Creek Marina, Oranjestad
Formerly Renaissance Marina, in downtown Oranjestad's harbor beside the Renaissance Marketplace and close to the cruise terminal. (Don't confuse it with the resort's adults-only wing of the same old name.)
The leeward coast
From Oranjestad to the lighthouse
These are the stops most Aruba charters choose between, depending on the wind and the swell.
The SS Antilla wreck
A German cargo ship scuttled by her crew on May 11, 1940, one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean. At around 121 m long, lying on her side in up to about 18 m of water, she is visible to snorkelers from the surface.
Malmok & Boca Catalina
Limestone terraces and small sandy coves where catamarans and sailboats stop just off the shore for snorkeling. Boca Catalina is calm and clear, good for beginners.
Arashi Beach
A shallow, west-facing beach near the California Lighthouse with calm water and snorkeling on its left side.
Palm Beach & Eagle Beach
Two miles of white sand and calm water at Palm Beach, and the famously wide Eagle Beach, with its fofoti trees and sea turtle nesting sites. The classic backdrop for a sunset sail.
Mangel Halto
A shallow mangrove lagoon with a reef beyond, protected within Parke Marino Aruba and popular for snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Currents and boat traffic outside the reef call for care.
Marine park
Parke Marino Aruba
Created by national decree in 2018 and managed by Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba since 2019, Parke Marino Aruba protects four marine areas: the coastal waters off Arikok, the eastern cape at Seroe Colorado, the Mangel Halto–Isla di Oro–Santo Largo area and the reef islands off Oranjestad. Your captain follows the park's current rules.
Aruba's beaches are public, and the tourism board asks visitors not to take sand, shells or coral.
Seasons
Weather in Aruba
Year-round warmth. Air temperatures sit around 27–32 °C for most of the year, with moderate to fresh easterly trade winds.
Rain is generally light, falling mostly in short showers during the rainy season toward the end of the year.
Hurricanes. Aruba lies on the southern edge of the Atlantic hurricane belt, and direct hurricane strikes are historically very rare. Storms passing to the north can still bring rough seas, swell, gusty winds or heavy showers during the June 1 to November 30 season.
Neighboring islands. Curaçao, around 80 km to the southeast, and Bonaire, farther east, are separate islands, so they are not day-charter stops from Aruba.
For your Aruba quote
- Date, preferred time and group size
- Snorkel sail, sunset cruise or a celebration
- Where you are staying, or your cruise ship's port hours
- Catamaran, sailing yacht or motor yacht
Current fleet & availability
Ask about boats in Aruba
Tell us your date, group size and the kind of day you have in mind, from a wreck snorkel to a sunset sail. We will check the yachts and catamarans available in Aruba.
Related destinations
More of the southern Caribbean
Aruba FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters in Aruba
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Aruba. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Where do Aruba boat charters leave from?
Mostly from the piers along Palm Beach or from Wind Creek Marina in Oranjestad's harbor, depending on the vessel. We confirm the meeting point for your boat.
Can we snorkel the Antilla wreck?
Yes. The SS Antilla lies off Malmok in up to about 18 m of water, and much of the hull can be seen by snorkelers from the surface when conditions allow.
Is the water calm in Aruba?
The west and southwest coast, where charters operate, is generally calm. The north and east coast is rough, and easterly trade winds blow most of the year.
Does Aruba get hurricanes?
Aruba lies on the southern edge of the hurricane belt and direct hits are historically very rare, but passing storms can bring rough seas and heavy showers.
Are catamarans available in Aruba?
Yes, catamarans are among the most popular charter vessels in Aruba, especially for snorkel sails and sunsets. Availability depends on your date.
Can we visit the Natural Pool by boat?
No. The Natural Pool is in Arikok National Park on the rugged windward coast and is reached overland.
Can we stop at Renaissance Island?
Renaissance Island is a private resort island with restricted access, so it is not a stop for private charters.
Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Aruba?
Boca Catalina and Arashi Beach are calm and shallow, and the tourism board recommends both for snorkeling.
When is the rainy season in Aruba?
The rainy season falls toward the end of the year, and even then rain is generally light, coming mostly in short showers. Air temperatures sit around 27 to 32 °C for most of the year, with moderate to fresh easterly trade winds.
Can we fit a private charter into a cruise stop in Oranjestad?
Yes, provided the charter fits comfortably within your ship's hours in port. Wind Creek Marina sits close to the cruise terminal, while other boats board at the Palm Beach piers, so tell us your ship and all-aboard time and we will plan around it.
Can we sail from Aruba to Curaçao or Bonaire for the day?
No. Curaçao, around 80 km away, and Bonaire are separate islands, so neither is a day-charter stop from Aruba. If Curaçao is also on your itinerary, we can check charters there separately.